Police: Man Charged With Robbing Newark Exxon At Knifepoint

On January 25, 2019, Newark Police arrested John J. Nichols, 29, of New Castle, for the Exxon gas station robbery that occurred on January 17, 2019, on South College Avenue. Through investigative means, including reviewing surveillance video and speaking with witnesses, a suspect vehicle was identified. Officials said that Nichols was then identified as the suspect in this robbery. A warrant for his arrest was subsequently issued.

On January 25th, Newark Detectives executed a search warrant at Nichols’ residence and took him into custody without incident.

Nichols appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 in New Castle where he was charged with Robbery First Degree, Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony and Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon. He was issued a conditions of release bond guaranteed by financial terms secured by $27,000 cash only. He was transferred to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington.

Original Report

At 3:58 this morning, Thursday, January 17, 2019, Newark Police were dispatched to the Exxon station at 820 South College Avenue for a report of a robbery according to Lt Andrew Rubin.

Rubin said the male clerk advised that a white male suspect entered the business and displayed a large knife to the employee while demanding money. The clerk gave the suspect an undisclosed amount of money and the suspect fled on foot onto Plymouth Drive, according to R. The clerk was not injured during this incident.

A Newark Police canine unit responded to the scene and was not able to locate the suspect.

The suspect is described as a white male, 5’9″, thin build and wearing blue jeans and a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt. The suspect was armed with a large kitchen knife.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Detective D. Bystricky at (302) 366-7100 x. 3136 or dbystricky@newark.de.us.

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